American Lawn Mower Company 16-Inch 5-Bl vs Sun Joe Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower with
Quick Verdict
The American Lawn Mower Company 16-Inch 5-Blade Vintage Reel Lawn Mower is the better choice for homeowners with larger, more established lawns who want a wider cutting path and a more traditional, robust design. The Sun Joe Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower with 9 Adjustable Positions, 14-In is the better value for those on a tighter budget or with smaller, less demanding yards, especially if you need fine cutting-height customization.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | American Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade | Sun Joe 14-Inch 9-Position |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $154.00 | $114.99 |
| Cutting Width | 16 inches | 14 inches |
| Blades | 5 steel blades | 5 steel blades |
| Height Adjustment | Fixed (approx. 1–2 inches) | 9 adjustable positions (0.5–2 inches) |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 5,000 sq ft | Up to 3,000 sq ft |
| Customer Rating | 4.3/5 (22,499 reviews) | 3.7/5 (6,014 reviews) |
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
The American Lawn Mower Company model’s larger 16-inch cutting width lets you cover more ground per pass, reducing mowing time on medium-sized lawns. Its five-blade reel design produces a cleaner, more precise scissor cut compared to rotary mowers, which is ideal for fine-bladed grasses like Bermuda or fescue. The vintage-style steel construction is noticeably more durable and less prone to warping than the Sun Joe’s lighter frame. With over 22,000 reviews and a 4.3 rating, it has a proven track record of reliability. The wider cutting deck also makes it easier to maneuver around trees and flower beds without needing to double back as often.
Where Sun Joe Wins
The Sun Joe’s standout advantage is its 9-position height adjustment system, ranging from 0.5 to 2 inches in 0.25-inch increments. This allows you to fine-tune the cut for different grass types or seasonal growth patterns—something the American Lawn Mower lacks (it offers only a fixed height). The Sun Joe is also lighter, making it easier to push on slopes or for users with less strength. At $114.99, it’s $39 cheaper, which matters if you’re on a strict budget or only need a mower for a small patch of grass. Its narrower 14-inch width is actually beneficial in tight spaces like narrow side yards or between garden beds.
Which Should You Buy
Choose the American Lawn Mower if: you have a lawn between 2,000 and 5,000 square feet with established grass, value durability over adjustability, and want to minimize mowing time. The wider cut and robust build justify the higher price if you plan to use it for several seasons.
Choose the Sun Joe if: you have a very small lawn (under 3,000 sq ft), need precise height control for delicate grass or uneven ground, or are cost-conscious. The 9-position adjustment is a real advantage for achieving a specific cut length, and the lighter weight reduces fatigue.
Final recommendation: For most homeowners with a typical suburban lawn, the American Lawn Mower is the better long-term investment. Its wider cut, higher customer satisfaction, and sturdier construction outweigh the Sun Joe’s adjustability and lower price. However, if your yard is tiny or you absolutely need variable cutting heights, the Sun Joe is a capable budget option.